Support announced for Pembrokeshire households using heating oil or LPG as fuel prices remain high

LOW-income households in Pembrokeshire that rely on heating oil or liquid petroleum gas could receive a one-off £200 payment to help with rising energy costs.

The support, funded by the Welsh Government, is aimed at households on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme who use heating oil or LPG to heat their homes.

The announcement comes as fuel prices remain high amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Eligible households will be contacted directly by Pembrokeshire County Council and invited to apply. Those who receive a letter will need to confirm the type of fuel they use, with payments then made directly into their bank accounts.

Eluned Morgan MS welcomed the support, saying many people were continuing to struggle with cost-of-living pressures.

She said: “Many of my constituents are managing cost-of-living pressures and the conflict in the Middle East is driving up prices and exacerbating their anxieties.

“Alongside my Welsh Labour colleagues, I am dedicated to easing financial pressures for those in need. This £200 payment will provide immediate extra help, building on a package of support already in place for households and families who need it.

“I would urge everyone who is contacted by the local authority about this payment to claim the support they are entitled to. You will have six months to claim.”

The UK Government has allocated £3.8 million to Wales to help deliver the payment.

People in Mid and West Wales who are struggling financially but do not qualify for the one-off payment may still be able to get help through the Discretionary Assistance Fund. The maximum award for heating oil has been increased from £500 to £750, and applicants can apply twice in a 12-month period.

Since 2022, more than 230,000 people across Wales have received energy top-ups and fuel deliveries through the Fuel Bank Foundation’s fuel voucher and emergency heat fund schemes.

Support can also be accessed through local authorities and third sector organisations, including Citizens Advice.

Eluned Morgan added: “If you are struggling to heat your home, you can also contact Nest on 0808 808 2244. Their Warm Homes scheme provides free energy efficiency advice and improvements to Welsh households that qualify.”

Free family event planned at Rwts on Easter Sunday

A FREE Easter egg hunt is set to take place in Broad Haven this weekend, with families invited to join in the fun on Easter Sunday.

The event, organised by Havens Events Crew, will be held at Rwts, Broad Haven, on Sunday, April 5 at 2:00pm.

Organisers say all children are welcome, with free entry for those taking part.

As well as the egg hunt itself, there will also be an Easter egg prize for the best Easter dress-up, adding to what is expected to be a fun-filled afternoon for local youngsters.

The event is likely to attract families from across the Havens area as children celebrate Easter with games, treats and fancy dress.

Havens Events Crew, which was established in 2023, has been building a reputation for putting on community events in the area.

The Easter egg hunt is expected to be a popular addition to the holiday weekend calendar.

Photo caption: Easter fun: Havens Events Crew is holding a free Easter egg hunt at Rwts, Broad Haven, on Sunday, April 5 at 2:00pm.

A SAPLING descended from the famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Carew Castle, giving fresh life in Pembrokeshire to one of Britain’s most cherished natural symbols.

The young tree was planted on Thursday (Apr 2) as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park joined the UK’s other National Parks in a shared act of remembrance and renewal.

The original Sycamore Gap tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall for more than 150 years, was felled in 2023, sparking sadness across the country. Cuttings and seeds salvaged after its destruction were carefully nurtured by the National Trust at its Plant Conservation Centre before being distributed to all 15 UK National Parks.

Now, one of those saplings has found a new home at Carew Castle, linking Pembrokeshire with landscapes across the country through a living symbol of resilience, heritage and hope.

The planting was attended by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Chair Dr Madeleine Havard, Vice Chair Cllr Claire George, Authority Member and local county councillor Vanessa Thomas, Chief Executive Tegryn Jones, and Director of Nature and Tourism James Parkin. Local children also took part in the event.

The Park Authority said the planting reflected a shared duty to care for special places and to pass them on to future generations.

Dr Havard said: “The Sycamore Gap tree was a powerful symbol of our connection to nature and heritage. While we cannot replace the landmark that was lost, planting this sapling at Carew Castle ensures its legacy grows here in Pembrokeshire.

“It serves as a living reminder of our role as guardians of these landscapes and our commitment to the generations who will enjoy them in the years to come.”

Carew Castle was chosen as the planting site because of its rich history and its importance within the National Park.

National Parks said each of the 15 saplings will be cared for by local teams, creating a lasting symbol of the enduring strength of nature in some of the UK’s most treasured places.

Caption: A descendant of the Sycamore Gap tree is planted at Carew Castle by National Park representatives and local children.